Shipping hazardous goods – safely, in compliance with regulations and worldwide

Hazardous goods are substances and articles that can pose risks to people, animals, property, or the environment during transport. These include, among other things, lithium batteries, rechargeable batteries, perfumes, aerosols, chemicals, paints, varnishes, and certain technical products. Special regulations regarding packaging, labeling, and transport apply to the shipment of hazardous goods.

Yes, many hazardous materials can be shipped worldwide. However, regulations vary depending on the destination country, transport route, and hazard class. Correct declaration, labeling, and documentation are particularly crucial for international hazardous materials shipments.

Lithium batteries are among the most frequently shipped dangerous goods. Different requirements apply depending on the battery type, power rating, UN number, and packaging. The regulations for UN3480 (lithium-ion batteries) and UN3481 (lithium-ion batteries packed in or with equipment) are particularly relevant.

Yes, e-bike batteries can be shipped. However, due to their high watt-hour capacity, special hazardous materials regulations often apply. Packaging, labeling, and transport route must comply with the respective legal requirements.

In principle, various classes of hazardous materials can be transported. Which substances can actually be shipped depends on the shipping provider, the destination country, and the chosen transport route. Not every class of hazardous material is permitted via every carrier or shipping method.

ADR regulates the transport of dangerous goods by road within Europe. IATA describes the regulations for the transport of dangerous goods by air. Since the requirements differ in some respects, shipping must always be tailored to the specific mode of transport.

UN3480 is the official dangerous goods designation for lithium-ion batteries shipped without a device. These batteries are subject to particularly strict regulations regarding packaging, labeling, and transport.

UN3481 designates lithium-ion batteries that are installed in or shipped with a device. These shipments are subject to some simplified requirements compared to UN3480.

Yes, lithium batteries can generally be transported by air freight. However, air transport is subject to particularly strict regulations regarding packaging, state of charge, labeling, and documentation.

Limited Quantity, or LQ for short, describes simplified shipping regulations for certain dangerous goods in limited quantities. Companies often benefit from simplified labeling and packaging requirements.

Get advice now on LQ shipping.

Yes, in many cases dangerous goods must be transported in approved and suitable packaging. The requirements depend on the hazard class, the transport route, and the type of product.

Depending on the hazard class and mode of transport, different documents may be required. These include, for example, safety data sheets (SDS), shipper's declarations, transport documents, or special customs documents.

Yes, many hazardous goods can be transported via DHL, UPS, or FedEx. However, which products are permitted depends on the specific hazard class, the destination country, and the chosen service.

The most common hazardous goods in e-commerce and B2B shipping include:

• Lithium batteries and rechargeable batteries
• Power Banks
• E-bike batteries
• Perfume and cosmetics
• Aerosols and spray cans
• Paints and varnishes
• Chemicals
• Technical fluids

The costs for shipping dangerous goods depend on various factors:

• Dangerous goods class
• Weight and dimensions
• Destination Country
• Transport route
• Documentation effort
• Shipping service

Choosing the right shipping solution can often significantly reduce hazardous goods surcharges and transport costs.

Errors in labeling, packaging, or documentation can lead to high additional costs, delays, or returns. Professional support helps to ship hazardous materials safely, compliantly, and efficiently, minimizing risks in international shipping.